The alarm rudely sounded at 4.30 to start our day of travel to Paris. Being up so early we unfortunately missed out on another amazing Sofitel breakfast but after a taxi, then Etihad bus we were at Abu Dhabi airport where we checked in then headed for the Al Reem Lounge for a free breakfast and thankfully also some fantastic cappuccinos!! Heading back to Terminal 3 to get our flight we ended up being stuck in a very long queue to go through security between termi...

Day 2 of Dubai started with a much bigger effort at the breakfast buffets before once again walking to the metro to find the old market (souk) & take a ride on an Abra. It was about 11 when we got to the old town & it was once again hot! We didn't have much in the way of a good map but we found what was a very basic lane way of undercover souvenir stalls which was the disappointing souk. A quick walk through, with obligatory hassling from vendors & we...

Good morning Dubai!! Even after a late night getting in we were ready to explore but first things first was breakfast & the Sofitel did an amazing job of it- the most expansive selection I have seen. There was at least 5 different juices, as well as little pre portioned bircher muesli, yogurt & fruit salad as well as an omelette station & freshly cooked pancakes not to mention the bakery section, cheeses, middle eastern breakfast choices & the usu...

After the end of a hectic term, especially given I was resigning we were finally on our way to the airport late on Friday night for our 2.40am Emirates flight to KL. It was a struggle keeping my eyes open to even board the flight so sleeping on the way wasn't too much of a problem. We arrived in KL and it started to set in that I was on holidays for an indefinite period & nearly 2 years of planning our European odyssey was becoming a reality!! Whoop whoop!!!...